Pseudo gout is a painful form of arthritis and often misdiagnosed as gout. Although the risk for developing pseudo gout increases with age, anyone can develop it. There are several similarities between gout and pseudo gout, but also several differences. It is vital a physician makes the proper diagnosis so the symptoms can be treated effectively. Without treatment, pseudo gout can cause a severe form of joint degeneration. As a result, many people who suffer with this condition are disabled and unable to work or move around freely on their own.

What are the similarities between pseudo gout and gout?

1. Both forms of arthritis cause inflammation and swelling around the joints.
2. Severe pain is one of the symptoms of both gout and pseudo gout.
3. Crystals form in the joint lining and around the joints, which is the cause for the pain and the inflammation.
4. Pseudo gout and gout can both cause warmth and stiffness in the joints.
5. There are treatments for both medical conditions.
6. Both pseudo gout and gout are typically treated with NSAIDS.

What are the differences between pseudo gout and gout?

1. Pseudo gout is a more severe form of arthritis.
2. Pseudo gout is caused by a chemical called calcium pyrophosphate. Elevated uric acid levels in the blood cause gout.
3. The symptoms of gout are the same as pseudo gout. However, the source of pain is different. With pseudo gout, the body’s natural defenses try to destroy the offending calcium crystals in the joints. However, the viable joint tissue is destroyed at the same time and that is the cause of severe pain in the joint area.
4. Gout attacks can be controlled by eating properly and by maintaining an adequate fluid intake. Pseudo gout might be treated with surgery.
5. Gout sufferers experience problems in their big toe and sometimes the heel, wrist, elbow, ankle and even the hands. Pseudo gout affects the larger joints on the extremities, such as the hips, shoulders, wrists, knees or ankles.
6. People who leave pseudo gout symptoms untreated can experience muscle and tendon tenderness and even inhibited movement.

One of the first things a physician will likely do to determine the source of joint pain and inflammation is to take an x-ray of the affected area(s). If he sees calcification of the cartilage, he will then take the next step. In order to determine whether a patient has pseudo gout or gout, a physician must examine the patient’s joint fluid under a microscope. It is simple to see the difference between uric acid crystals (gout is present), or crystals of calcium pyrophosphate once under a microscope. Once it is determined which type of arthritis the patient has developed, the proper treatment will be administered. In the case that pseudo gout is diagnosed, it is likely that rheumatologist will also be consulted. A rheumatologist is a specialist who has great knowledge about anti-inflammatory drugs and the side effects they might have on older people.

Pseudo gout is best treated if it is caught in the early stages, so make sure to see your physician as soon as your symptoms begin to appear.